Forged in Battle! Exploring the Brutal Elegance of American WW1 Trench Knives

Knuckle knives! Some of the most terrifying knives ever created. These trench knives were some of the most feared weapons in the trenches of World War 1. Trench knives were the weapon of choice for the trench raider and his intended victim. Able to cut, thrust, and punch, knuckle knives earned a terrifying reputation that has endured past World War 1. In fact, many of these knives would be called upon again at the outbreak of World War 2. Today on the Knife Life we are exploring the origins and history of the M1917 and M1918 Mark 1 trench knives!
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[@grumpyoldwizard]

My uncle, Harry Lloyd, fought in WW1. He died when I was in 2nd grade (a long time ago) but he was the best, most honest, decent man I have ever met. I was an adopted child in 1959, the product of a failed marrige. I was considered a embarassement. I grew up into a decent man because of his example. He treated me with kindness and compassion. He was the only one who did. God rest his soul and bless him. I will never forget him. He was a true hero.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@les3449]

The old saying is that any man can be a father but it takes someone special to be a daddy. It seems he was your daddy.

[@Mr.Glidehook]

You and he were blessed to have each other. Any man who claims to have developed into a decent human being because of a family member or mentor's example and love must truly be a decent man. No one else can claim such a thing.

[@jairustheadventurer3935]

Thank you for sharing! Very cool! We are all endebted to these great men who came before us.

[@todydn]

Im proud to be a uncle like that never served but i took my nepgew 17 in when his life went to hell in his year and a half here he has turned around in school in mindset maturity work ethic polite and well versed in history and becoming a mechanic. Everyone thought he was gonna fail but he passed his peers and siblings who have a better run i didnt provide anything financial beyond the basics i couldnt but i did provide structure and love. I know your uncle was proud the way you speak of him shows youve become who he wanted you to be

[@edgaraquino2324]

The '18...especially if I was in the Pacific....in desperate hand-to-hand combat, this knife gives you plenty of options against an opponent...

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Indeed! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

The Australians used knuckle duster knives in WW2 in the Jungle theatre. .. it went on into Korea ...as a 🇬🇧 ex parra described them his favourites to work with ... they took bar room fighting tactics..nicked all the Americans gear and transferred it to the jungle. 😂 His other chosen few were the Gurkhas... he stopped laughing then... he just said you dont mess.... 😬

[@PaMuShin]

Interesting design of Australian-made US WW2 Large V44 Brass Knucks Ranger Knife.

[@PaMuShin]

@@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665 I doubt that the gurkhas had knuckle duster knives

[@PaMuShin]

usually gurkhas have only the karda and shak mak knife additionally, which are pretty similiar to the finnish puukko knives

[@RandoCalrisiann]

I have an LF&C 1918 with matching scabbard. I love it!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@hededcdn]

Me too! The top guard on mine is not round like that, though. It's slim. Still same model stamp though.

[@brittakriep2938]

A mistake. German forces had at first no special knife for trench warfare. Most german trench knifes had been similar to bayonnets, clearly visible. A smaller part was based on a german hunting knife called ,Nicker', which was in southern Germany also a common EDC knife. Even in 1980s some older men carried such knives.

[@Southernguitar74]

Outstanding video! Trench knives have always fascinated me. ‘18 for me any day. No contest.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@UncleMac51]

Thanks for the video. Not enough content on these. Fascinating part of knife history.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@AdamCeladin]

Your channel deserve way more subs! Such an amazing job on these videos!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thank-you very much and thank-you for your support!

[@joeypeleg152]

Very well done and informative. Kudos

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@pompeylad1977]

Very interesting and superbly presented video, thanks very much 👍🏻

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm very glad you enjoyed the video! I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@pompeylad1977]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel definitely mate, I’m subscribed 👍🏻

[@bennelson6440]

Loved the phrasing at 4:55, very straightforward and to the point. Not too edgy either

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed! Thank-you for your support!

[@colonialdirtdigger3734]

Great content!

[@paulfryejr2918]

Interesting content about some deadly knives. Thanks.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thank-you for your support!

[@dallasgraf6442]

My grandfather gave me one of these when i was in junior high-school. Mom took it at some point didn't see it again till about 5 6 yrs ago. She passed 2 yrs ago and haven't seen it since

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

That is very unfortunate. Perhaps it will resurface again someday though. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@lindboknifeandtool]

I spent a summer making a scythe for a friend and his mom instantly took it. I even asked her if she’s going to take it I’ll just keep it. She’s cold.

[@Excommunicated-ei1ep]

I’ve seen a Picture of Knives similar to this, but with a Small Revolver Gun, built within the Knife itself. So it was a Gun, Knife and a Knuckle Duster.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

There were all sorts of odd th ings that were created, especially in the 1700s. Sword pistols really got out of hand during that time...

[@patricegarnierlobo25111967]

this an pocket knife made in France with an folder dagger blade an knuckle and six shot of 6mm rim fire or an 22lr this sort off objects are for self défense under robber in the street at the night

[@Dylski.]

The apache revolver. It wasn't really used or manufactured much because it was terrible at all 3 of its jobs.

[@MarvelousSeven]

Atlanta Cutlery makes some very good trench knives.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

They were kind enough to provide the replicas for this video. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@Mephistopholies]

Ive seen these in so many collections.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

They are a rather unique looking knife and collectible on that point alone. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@kermitthorson9719]

i do and dont like the 4 finger knuckle guard of the 18. although i accept the improved grip with it, you showed that well, and in the trenches that was probably key. but i think the 17's D guard made switching hands easier in a pinch. either way the blade is better than the ice pick.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I have a love/hate relationship with the M1918 as well. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@RickJZ1973]

Very cool and interesting presentation!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@lindboknifeandtool]

That spyderco at the beginning is a very special piece. You have a very discerning eye!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Why thank-you! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@sherlock1895]

Your video was very well done. Cheers!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@sherlock1895]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannelI should have mentioned I have a 1918. Cheers!

[@cascadianrangers728]

Cold Steel Knives makes a modern version of the trench knife, and its even tougher and scarrier looking, comes standard with a spearpoint tip but also a tanto point

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@pavlepetrovic6846]

Cold steel is no1 for my standards😂

[@lathanchurch8352]

I like looking at the different examples of trench made knives

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

There is a lot of different types that I didn't have the time to discuss as well. One could study WW1 trench knives exclusively. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@julesjones2442]

Excellent synopsis and delivery of information that is historically accurate 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 Uussshhh

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@mikelgeren149]

My dad said he was issued a 1918 Trench knife in WWII , the only one in his company . Not my choice of a edge tool .

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very interesting! What unit was he with?

[@mikelgeren149]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel 3451st Ordnance Co. Served in the South Pacific Theater .

[@TXRBL]

My father was in the south pacific during WWII. He was in the Americal Division and they were issued trench knives.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! What specific unit was he with? Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@McPh1741]

I prefer the 1918 knife. I like that it has cutting edges, shorter blade and a single piece brass handle and knuckles. I think in the movie "Objective Burma" there's a scene where archival footage was used and a soldier can be seen equipped with one in a scabbard that was part of a machete scabbard. I may be remembering that wrong. As cool as these knives are, I like the US Army bolo bayonets used in the Philippines more.

[@nomadmarauder-dw9re]

The Big Red One. Lee Marvin.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Its very possible. There were a lot of theater made modifications by US troops. Blades, grips, sheathes, you'll encounter all sorts if ingenious and wild gear mods. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@chrishynes6091]

@@nomadmarauder-dw9re Thats what I was thinking... good movie.

[@justa.american8303]

​@TheKnif😅eLifeChannel

[@Robbycee]

Nice shirt! Great video!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thank-you for your support!

[@Coins24-7]

Great video.. M 1918 is a very nice looking well put tool.. I bet it would work great for self defense 😊

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@Synistercrayon]

Must haves in every collectors repertoire

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

They are too distinct to not have one! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@heavychevy4616]

thank u sir

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Of course! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@dusty7264]

Great video 👍 I have both of those models, originals.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool, and I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@trepaning]

very interesting, subscribed.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thank-you for your support!

[@thomasnihil4878]

Cool. I just finished watching Boardwalk Empire and now I know what Jimmy's archaic knife is all about. Thanks.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad to have been of service. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@20Hikecdt23]

This is a neat thing to subscribe to. Thank you for the presentation! Very interesting. Ps-I’d take the French knife without the knuckle deal.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thank-you for your support and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@rogerwilliams2629]

Great presentation! subbed I carry a large Bowie now, and I would have then. If the two I would want the 18.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thank-you for the support! I also have a video on the Bowie as well that you may find interesting.

[@jojodancer1743]

The M1918 because..... feelings.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thank-you for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@gnarlywagner8171]

5:04 the levels of that pun have got me realling

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I like to have one or two good puns in each video. I've been slacking recently though.

[@ajm2872]

That dad-joke at 4:53 gets the gold medal 🏅 😂

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the pun! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@tonyjones1560]

I had a college friend whose dad had been a Navy UDT/SEAL through World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He carried (and used) the same ‘18 through all three.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thank-you for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@pirminzemp2731]

The Trench Knife Is Mega Cool Knife Greetings Pirmin

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@pirminzemp2731]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel Yes

[@joshuahawkins2743]

My dad left me a handful of ww1 ww2 and Vietnam trench knives I know they are all worth a pretty penny if I ever have a emergency at least I have some back up financially

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@mikechrister2736]

The 1918 is the coolest combat knife ever made ever. I got a BUDK model. Goes with my doughboy helmet.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very nice! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@patricegarnierlobo25111967]

on June 1, 1918, a panel of AEF officers conducted an exhaustive field test of various trench knives, including the American M1917, the Hughes trench knife, and the standard trench knives of the British and French armies , respectively. The field test was conducted to examine the qualities of each knife based on the following criteria: ability to carry in one hand while performing other tasks, speed or speed of use in action, safety grip in the event of a fall, ease of carrying when exploring in a low prone position, the likelihood of the knife being knocked over during a struggle, the suitability of the weight, length and shape of the blade and the shape of the handle. Following these tests, the replacement trench knife called Mark I was born, developed jointly by officers of the AEF and the Engineering Division of US Ordnance. The AEF stated that the Mark I was a combination of all the best features of the trench knives evaluated, and the double-edged blade of the Mark I is a copy of the Couteau Poignard M-1916 (known as Le Vengeur) Most of the blades and handles were made in France. With the end of hostilities, large-scale wartime contracts for the production of Mark I knives were canceled. Most Mark I knives made by American manufacturers were never issued and remained in army warehouses. there is only the lf1917 which was used late in the field

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@tyronemorrissey4728]

More long videos upload please 🙏 good 👍

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I will! I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@tyronemorrissey4728]

Thanks

[@denniswebb3021]

How about doing a segment over the Stryder knives

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'll take a look at them. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@mattthescreamer177]

Your edits on this video are on point....no pu intended

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Oh, but I think the pun is very much intended... Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@alreadyforgot2386]

The good ol poker. Time tested and true.

[@bsanders9106]

Subscribed :)

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thank-you for your support!

[@davidcaple8585]

awesome video can You make 2 separate videos covering: 1) The Grayman knives/Grayman knife maker; & 2) the Michael Echanis design/inspired Echanis Warrior Knife aka known as the Al Mar Warrior; the Round Eye Knife and Tool (REKAT) smaller version known as the "Hobbit Warrior" and a folding version known as "Pocket Hobbit"; & Spyderco's version the Spyderco Warrior - Love Your content!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'll see about adding those to the list. Thanks for your support and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@davidcaple8585]

you always will @@TheKnifeLifeChannel

[@thezieg]

I would prefer a combination of the Mk1 and Mk2: The full knuckleduster of the 1918 and the stiletto of the 1917. The puncture of the triangular blade would be superior with the retention of the finger holes. But in cold weather with gloves or mittens the knuckleduster would be useless, so maybe just the 1917.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Interesting take. The use of mittens would make the 1918 useless, which I expect is partially why we don't really see knuckle duster knives anymore!

[@rerd6614]

Suggestion for Knife Reviews: Izmasch M59/2, UC0212 Bushmaster, Ballistic Knife, NRS-2 Leomatik Universal-Aufbrechmesser

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'll take a look at them! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@banhatlessducks]

M1918 is awesome but i like how they made an official version of the improvised french spike in the m1917

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

No matter what age you live in, a pointy stick is a pointy stick. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@Mr.Glidehook]

The 1918 gets my vote every time, and I'm going to check one out at your link. This was a vicious weapon for close quarters combat and, as such, impossible for me to imagine having to face. I'm happy that I watched this; I had no idea that the history of trench warfare was ever this brutal, but with a few photos and very professional commentary, I can say unequivocally that I'm glad I wasn't there. It's a shameful thing to say, but it's an honest one.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I'm sure the men who were there didn't want to be there either and wouldn't hold that desire against you. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@alexmatecki6021]

I love the 1918, but am curious about any difficulties wielding it while wearing gloves.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

It doesn't give my hand much spare room, so there almost certainly would have been an issue with gloves. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@hededcdn]

I have my grandpas' M1918. It's brutal.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for commenting and thank-you for your support!

[@masudaharris6435]

My father carried an M1918 US trench knife during his 6 or 7 tours of duty during the Vietnam War. I never asked if he actually used it.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@waynewatts8736]

I have a replica of a 1918 my grandfather had.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@stephenlee3390]

how times have changed. My Social Studies teacher in High School (1970} brought in a 1918 mark 1 for our discussionon WWI

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Yes, things have definitely changed. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@charlesgraham9954]

when i was a boy in the 70s my grandfather had a knife similar, the knuckles had screw on tips and the blade was double edged, but more of a straight dagger. seen it has a teen in the 80s, when moving my grandmother in 90, it was nowhere to be found.

[@zyruzroma5439]

paano mag order night mare knives

[@samuelwahls8315]

May I suggest the Ontario Knife Company OKC-3C Bayonet for a video? It's the current issue Marine Corps utility/fighting knife/ bayonet is a pretty neat tool, and you can tell it takes design ques from the Ka-Bar.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I will take a look at it. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@johnryder1713]

One notable Trench Knife of the Great War was an Austrian Kuk fighting knife, sorta similar in shape to a Roman Gladius or maybe an old style Artillery mans short sword

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Would this be their M1917 knife?

[@johnryder1713]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel Thats right, I'm not sure where the Kuk name came from though

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

@@johnryder1713 I'll see about taking a look at it. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@johnryder1713]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel Thats great Knifey, sorry I missed the livestream but loved this vid

[@turninn]

I know of a mark1 1918 here in Iceland that found it's way here with a Danish lady after WWII. Also a "Blut und Ehre" knife

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for commenting and thank-you for your support!

[@hughgrection3052]

I discovered what is possibly a prototype that is a mix of several of these, but is a monster 18 inches lol, 2lbs, with a square club / stabbing blade and a brass / bronze handle. It has 4 fullers, very nicely cut too. It has a 100 gentle tapered blade, that is strangley enough a blued blade also. It's sort of a truncheon that can stab as well. It has enough weight to be able to Crack a skull even thru a helmet I'm sure, and deffo pressure cut flesh and break bones too. I posted a video of it here. If you don't mind please take a look and let me know what you think. I've asked around and all the knowledgeable people I've found agree its real and likely a WW1 trench knife but can't say what it would be called, or the maker. I can't help but wonder if it was a prototype as it is made too well to be the common "theater" field made weapon. Someone put alot of time and effort into this and knew what they was doing. The handle btw isn't poured to the handle. It seems they broached a hole for the tang and friction fit it. The brass / bronze tho I can yes was poured tho prior as I can see like 3 micro air bubbles in its pommel with a 10× jewelers loop. Just barely tho. So it's not a modern cold rolled brass. Plus it has red rot and bronze disease on the handle so it must be pretty old. I'd appreciate to hear what yoh think about it. Thanks bud, and great video. These knives are awesome!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very interesting. I'm not seeing the link to the video. Its very likely that its a one of a kind "theater made" weapon. Soldiers got very creative with what they had on hand. I'm glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@sherlock1895]

M1918 because I own one. Cheers!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@mauwalker]

I have an M1917 trench spike. It’s nasty. Designed to do one thing-punch through things.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@damongraham1398]

I know it's not one of the choices, but my favorite is the kukri.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I've got a video on that one as well! A WW1 and WW2 champ!

[@SoldierAndrew]

The Case V42 was the perfect light infantry commando combat dagger ever made. Albeit was a WWII production and not a WWI production. Historical fact, according to research conducted by Col Rex Applegate , the most confirmed knife kills of WWII were made by a Fin commando using a humble 5" blade Sami Pukko knife to kill Russian sentries.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@liljoenyc01]

My pick is the one that Jimmy used on board Walk empire

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@cmaine6254]

1918!!!! The knife of "sarg" in the Big Red One....

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@landonw7099]

I have a replica M1917 and it’s brutal

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@landonw7099]

@@TheKnifeLifeChannel you will 🦾

[@Mountain.Man.1978]

I ordered a 1918 from Smokey Mountain Knife Works, but it came with a crap blade. I happened to order a cut German bayonet blade weeks earlier and mounted it onto the 1918.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@someguy53299]

I prefer both because I have neither in my collection.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thats a great way to go! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@MF_UNDERTOW]

This man owns several Spydercos. 🕵️‍♂️ That’s how I know he’s a man of knowledge and discernment. 🤌

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Us men of class pronounce it Spee-Eye-derco. Like a gentleman should...

[@patricegarnierlobo25111967]

During World War II, stocks of Mark I knives were released for distribution to army units in need of a close combat knife, although the number of Mark Is used was limited. Among these knives the Mark I entered service, most of which were issued in 1942 and 1943 to soldiers serving in elite army rangers and airborne formations although some Mark I knives were used by units marines in 1942 and 1943, particularly marines serving with the four Marine Raider battalions. Reports from the military and maritime domain regarding the effectiveness of the Mark I knife were mixed; some men liked the design, while others complained that Mark I was poorly balanced, with a relatively thin blade that was prone to breaking at the blade-hilt junction, particularly when used for utilitarian tasks. Other reports noted that the Mark I's large "knuckle" finger guard grip was expensive to produce and limited the number of useful combat grip positions, as well as preventing the knife from being carried in a leather sheath conventional or sheath. The Mark I was also criticized by marine raiders for its poor balance, relatively slow deployment speed, and rapid penetration to kill ability when used in an offensive role (raiders would eventually adopt a combat knife with a stylus silhouette, blade modeled after the Fairbairn-Sykes combat knife. Additionally, American war planners had foreshadowed the need for a general-purpose trench knife that could fulfill both combat and defense roles. utility, while retaining strategic metal resources. The Mark I trench knife was replaced in Army service by the US M3 in 1943 along with old bayonets converted into combat knives while the US Marine Corps released its own combat and utility knife the same year, designated the 1219C2 known as the USMC Mark 2 Combat Knife aka the USMC Combat Utility Knife.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thank-you for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@johnryder1713]

One notable modern Knuckle Knife would be the Argentine El Cuchillo de Paracaidista, used in the Falklands and beyond

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'll have to check it out! Thanks for commenting and for your support!

[@TravelatorH8r]

❤ahh Subsonic Target engagement.. Clasico

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I like that, I might have to steal it! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@jameswilliams6468]

I have a 1918 (replica of course) and I like the weight of the handle and the ability to do damage with straight punches or overhead hammer fist. I've seen replicas that make the handle out of a hardened polymer and coated with rubber but I'm not sure I'd trust that

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Nah, you really want the brass in brass knuckles. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@chaosncheckt9356]

I remember reading that on the introduction of the knuckle knife, German Commanders ordered any soldier captured with one was to be executed on the spot.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@minachannie]

My dad unintentionally bought a 1918 trench knife knuckle. He bought it black, but cleaned and polished it, revealing a brass shine. It only has the marks "U.S. 1918" and the spikes on the finger holes looked worn out. There is also some damage on the back of the handle. It doesn't have a crossguard though. I'm wondering if this is an authentic one or not. It weighs around .25 kg when he bought it in a junkshop.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

My recommendation is to post a picture of it on the 1918 Knife group on Facebook. They should be able to determine its authenticity for you. I hope that was of assistance and to see you around the channel again!

[@willford9205]

M1918, I have one and I made it RAZOR sharp. hanging by the door along with a double barrel, loaded with 4 buck.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thank-you for sharing and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@ramonbennett8416]

M1918 for its bad assery!!!!

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for commenting! I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@stinkymccheese8010]

M 1918, it’s double edged and the knuckles look more solid.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@Dracsmolar]

Brutal and decidedly deadly but limiting in a true knife fight. The Bowie is still arguably the finest fighting knife some newer designs are up there with it.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@carbonEYE007]

The 1918 is in my nightstand I wish a ninja would

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

The M1918: suitable for ninjas and the Central powers. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@tylervandevender4126]

not exactly “cutting edge” was such an underrated laugh.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I was chuckling writing that one. If nothing else I amuse myself. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@pnoey5777]

My choice goes to the french one. Not only because I'm french, but I like a knife that can be use as a tool, where trench knives with knuckle duster are less practical to use in a non-combat situation. But if I could, I would go with the 1918 for combat and my good old balisong for utilitarian use.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Which French one? the Lebel or the Vengeur?

[@pnoey5777]

The vengeur, the Lebel one I can hardly consider it as a knife, as it doesn't have real cutting edge ^^ more like an angry ice pick@@TheKnifeLifeChannel

[@robthebold4589]

A M1918 knife made in 1923 as a commemorative recently sold at auction near me for $1900.

[@Knuckl3headknives]

That isn't a "commemorative", it was surplus from the original production that was purchased and engraved by "Seattle Tent and Awning Company" and was given as a gift to special customers

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very interesting! I didn't know that. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@simonbrown9310]

M1918 is awesome

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

It is pretty cool. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@MinisterChristopher]

#TheSpiritOfTheBlade 🖤

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@marcusmobley5411]

Got 1 of these exact knives from my grandpa

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@JohnDoe-yg6ed]

I have a LF&C 1917 & 1918, a New Zealand knuckle knife, everitt knuckle knife, a few theatric knuckle knives that were used during the war, a BC-41, and a couple other originals. I love knuckle knives but hands down the best knife of world war 2, for the United States, was the MK1. Both for fighting and utility purposes, it was a knife that should have never been replaced by the mk2 in my opinion. I also have a good collection of “no 18 V44’s” and other ww2 knives. The only good knuckle knife, again in my opinion, is the New Zealand knuckle knife. It can both be used as a fighting knife but a utility knife two bc it really has more of a “D” style guard than brass knuckles which allows you to hold different grips and the “guard” doesn’t get in the way. Especially if you have the clip point style and not the double edged dagger style.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very interesting! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@lckgilmo43]

Trench knives worked well back then. They'll work well know. My grandfather Carl Kaiser was 17 years old, U.S. Marine when he fought in WW1. The Germans never had their troops shot 700 to 800 yards away until U.S. Marines popped up.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

A sharp pointy knife is a sharp pointy knife no matter how you look at it. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@rvanhees89]

Can you do one on the fighting sabre of the KNIL: the Klewang? Preferably one made with Hembrug Steel Thanks in advanve! (KNIL = Koninklijk Nederlands-Indisch Leger, or Royal Dutch-Indies Army)

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

I'll take a look at it! Thanks for commenting and thank-you for your support!

[@nuancolar7304]

The design evolved into a more effective fighting weapon because it took into account the multiplicity of position in a hand-to-hand fight. With nothing but a dagger in your hand, you can only inflict real damage by thrusting the weapon in one direction. Depending on your position, being held to the ground, how you are holding it at the time, etc, you may not have the leverage for impaling your enemy. Keep in mind that when you are in a hand-to-hand fight with an enemy trying to kill you, your adrenaline and fear will have you doing all within your power to prevail. It's not a boxing match. The M1918 takes into account that you may be flailing your fists and arms in multiple directions and the weapon allows for some damage with each blow. So with the M1918, you could stab, slice, punch, hammer blow, in multiple movements and have an effect with each blow.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@grayman556]

Jim Bowie said Miss me yet?

[@lebanondon7981]

That's the jimmy darmody knife.😉

[@wizardofahhhs759]

I have a repro M-1918, the tang threads weren't cut deep enough so moderate pressure on the blade will cause the whole kit to fall apart. Id like to get someone to make me a carbon steel blade for it some day just to make it functional.

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Finding quality reproductions is always an issue. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@wizardofahhhs759]

​@@TheKnifeLifeChannelI'll most definitely be around.

[@landonray9517]

If you’re willing to pay a somewhat significant amount of money, Les George makes a quality one from S35VN, and you can get some of his older ones in 3V if that’s your preference. Unfortunately not cheap lol

[@denniswebb3021]

The 1918 mark 1i think better than the 1917. But it had a general fit for the buckle guards and depending on hand type could cause user to hurt their own hand. Did they make the 1918 with a full tang or with a partial

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Both are through tangs that run the length of the grip. Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!

[@toddd7444]

my Grandfather carried one Wknocks

[@TheKnifeLifeChannel]

Very cool! Thanks for commenting and I hope to see you around the channel again!